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The “Wrath of the Titans” cast talks gods, moving past “Clash,” and where the next film might go

Sam Worthington returns as Greek hero Perseus in this weekend’s “Wrath of the Titans,” a sequel to the 2010 remake of “Clash of the Titans.” This time around, Perseus sets out to free his father, Zeus, from imprisonment at the hands of Hades, and prevent the massive titan Kronos from destroying the world.

Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, “Wrath of the Titans” faces a herculean task of its own: taking the franchise to the next level while overcoming the poor critical response to “Clash of the Titans” that almost doomed the sequel.

“What was most important to me was to maintain things I liked about the first movie,” Liebesman told IFC. “I went on opening day to ‘Clash of the Titans,’ and I had my own feelings about it — but there were things I really liked.”

“I thought Louis [Letterier] did an incredible job with the spectacle [in ‘Clash of the Titans’],” he explained. “It had a real massive, Hollywood spectacle to it, so that was important to maintain. What I wanted to add to that was a grittiness, so that I could ground that spectacle and try to make it as believable as possible, even though you’re in a fantasy world.”

For Liebesman, part of grounding the story was spending more time on the characters and their stories — including newcomer Agenor, the demigod son of Poseidon played by British actor Toby Kebbell. According to Kebbell, a character who started out as a sidekick for Perseus and occasional source of comic relief eventually grew into a bigger part of the “Titans” universe.

“What was originally written on the page was kind of a goofy character who spent his time saying inappropriate things at the wrong time, but me and Sam and Jonathan all agreed that we didn’t want that cliche in the film,” recalled Kebbell. “Sam wanted to make this big. He didn’t want to do a sequel and just make it like any other film for a paycheck.”

Along with the debut of Agenor, “Wrath of the Titans” also features an expanded role for two returning characters: Zeus and Hades. Played by Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, respectively, the two gods and the talented actors portraying them provide some of the film’s most memorable moments.

“I felt like [Zeus and Hades] were a little underused in the first movie,” said Liebesman. “Those two guys, Liam and Ralph, have such a great relationship with each other. They’re like brothers in real life. They’re so close. I just wanted to embrace that and have them in the film as much as possible.”

“There are a lot of scenes cut out with them, because I was just in love with those guys,” he laughed. “I was making my own Liam and Ralph movie. I would love to do anything with those guys. They are such a great team. I’m surprised they haven’t been in more movies together.”

And if all goes well with “Wrath of the Titans,” screenwriter Dan Mazeau says the “Titans” team has already begun discussing the next chapter of the franchise and where it could take Perseus and the Greek gods.

“It’s never really explained in mythology how it went from this pantheon of Greek gods to essentially none of them — to them being gone,” he explained. “That story of the fall of the gods hasn’t been told, so having this canvas to play with, it allows us to tell that story. This is about a world in transition. It’s a world going from a world of the gods to a world of men, so you’re seeing a lot of these things that were such a big part of the world, the gods and the monsters, having their last hurrah.”

“That was the overall idea when we started, and there is certainly more to tell,” he continued. “Where the world leaves off, it’s sort of an uncertain future, and mankind is going to have to chart its own course. I think there’s definitely some interesting stories, and yes, we’ve had some conversations about that.”

For Liebesman, however, it all starts with bringing to life a massive battle between the Greek gods and mythical creatures.

“That was the challenge that I wanted to give the team,” he said. “Can we do what you guys did in ‘Clash’ and ground it in reality? The fun will be trying to make people say, ‘Oh shit, this really looks like it could’ve happened!'”

“Wrath of the Titans” hits theaters March 30, and stars Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Edgar Ramirez, and Toby Kebbell. Keep an eye on IFC.com for more from the “Wrath of the Titans” press junket.

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The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Catch up on Portlandia’s final episodes on demand and at IFC.com

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Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.